Digital health platforms could help bridge the healthcare gap between Cambodia’s urban and rural populations according to the European Cahmber of Commerce (EuroCham). During a Tuesday press conference, the organisation called for new policies to enable telemedicine, e-prescriptions and digital claims reimbursement.
The briefing was held ahead of the EuroCham Healthcare Forum & Innovation Exhibition 2025, which will take place on October 30, in Phnom Penh.
The forum aims to bring together ministries, insurers, hospitals and innovators to explore how technology can improve healthcare delivery and accessibility across the country.
Sor Samnangvathana, co-chairperson of EuroCham’s Healthcare Committee representing practitioners, said digital health innovation offers practical solutions to long-standing access challenges faced by rural communities — if supported by updated regulations and trust-based governance.
“People in rural areas often struggle to receive care due to distance and cost,” Samnangvathana told The Post.
“If the law allows e-prescriptions and teleconsultations, a doctor in Phnom Penh could serve patients in remote provinces safely through digital platforms. This is how technology can make healthcare more inclusive,” she said.
A 2025 EuroCham White Paper on Governing Digital Health Platforms in Cambodia outlined five key policy recommendations, including the creation of a National Digital Health Coordination Committee, the use of regulatory sandboxes for controlled innovation, and the integration of digital services into national social protection schemes such as the Health Equity Fund (HEF) and National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
Samnangvathana noted that digital health is not just about technology; it’s about equity, ensuring that even those in the most remote areas can access quality care.
“In terms of the cost, I think the digital health platform does not only focus on the high-end service, but all the services across Cambodia,” she said.
Dr. Elias Engelking, co-chairperson of the committee, added that Cambodia’s citizens are ready for digital health adoption, with high mobile connectivity and increasing demand for accessible services.
However, education, regulatory learning and public trust are crucial.
“The aim is simple. Build trust between public and private actors and support universal health coverage through a connected system. A system where every citizen here in Cambodia can afford quality health care,” said Engelking.
“As we look ahead, the question is no longer whether Cambodia will go digital in health. but how it will do so, and with whom,” he added.
The press conference also highlighted the need for cross-sector collaboration, with the private sector working alongside ministries and development partners to align standards and ensure safe digital transformation.
The EuroCham Healthcare Forum will further explore these issues through policy discussions, live technology demonstrations and networking between government and industry leaders.
Supported by GIZ and T-Systems, the event underscores EuroCham’s goal of fostering an inclusive, innovation-ready and secure digital health ecosystem that contributes to universal health coverage.
